Ceilings & Walls

Stipple Coating

Textured ceiling and wall coating applied by dabbing or spattering, potentially containing asbestos.

Period of use:1955–1985

Peak use:1970s

Friability:Non-friable

Risk level:

Description

Stipple coating is a textured decorative finish applied to ceilings and walls by dabbing, spattering, or rolling a compound onto the surface to create a raised, irregular pattern. Used extensively from the mid-1950s through the mid-1980s, stipple coatings were produced by many of the same manufacturers as other textured coatings, including Artex, Wondertex, and Polycell. Like related textured finishes, stipple coatings manufactured before 1985 may contain chrysotile asbestos at concentrations typically between 1% and 5% by weight.

Stipple coating creates a distinctive surface texture that differs from the swirl, fan, or comb patterns commonly associated with Artex. The finish appears as a random pattern of raised points or bumps, resembling the texture of an orange peel or rough stucco. The coating was applied using various techniques: dipping a brush or sponge into the compound and dabbing it onto the ceiling, using a stipple roller, or applying the compound with a trowel and then texturing it with a dabbing tool. Each method created a slightly different texture profile.

The product was popular for the same reasons as other textured coatings: it concealed imperfections in the substrate, provided a decorative finish, and was relatively quick and inexpensive to apply. Stipple coating was used in residential homes, offices, schools, shops, and public buildings throughout the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during the peak decades of the 1960s and 1970s.

Stipple coating shares the same hazard profile as other textured coatings. When intact and undisturbed, it is non-friable and poses low risk. However, sanding, scraping, or mechanical removal releases asbestos fibres, as does drilling into the coated surface. The material is often mistakenly assumed to be safe because of its relatively low asbestos concentration, but even low concentrations become hazardous when the material is pulverised during removal. Professional testing is essential before any disturbance, and removal or encapsulation should be carried out by qualified professionals.

Countries where commonly found

🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States 🇦🇺 Australia 🇨🇦 Canada 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇮🇪 Ireland

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Stipple coatings were widely applied in UK homes and commercial buildings as an alternative to Artex-style swirl patterns. The stippled finish was created by dabbing wet compound with a brush, sponge, or roller. Like Artex, pre-1985 stipple coatings may contain chrysotile asbestos.

🇺🇸 United States: In the US, stipple coatings overlap with the broader category of textured ceiling treatments. They were applied by brush or roller to create a spattered or mottled appearance, and may contain asbestos in pre-1980 applications.

🇨🇦 Canada: Stipple ceiling coatings were commonly used in Canadian homes from the 1960s to the early 1980s. They are frequently encountered in suburban homes from this era and are subject to provincial asbestos regulations.

Commercial brands

ArtexWondertexPolycellHamilton

How to identify

Stipple coating appears as a random, raised, bumpy texture on ceilings and walls, resembling orange peel or rough stucco. The finish is typically white or off-white and feels hard and gritty when touched. The coating is usually 2-4 mm thick. Unlike Artex swirl or fan patterns, stipple coating has an irregular, non-directional texture. It may be found in combination with other textured finishes in the same building. Any stippled ceiling or wall finish applied before 1985 should be tested for asbestos before disturbance.

Health risk & friability

This material has a risk level of 3 out of 5.

It is classified as non-friable, meaning the asbestos fibers are tightly bound within the material matrix. When in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk of fiber release is low. However, cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material can release dangerous fibers.

What to do if you find this material

Do not sand, scrape, or mechanically remove stipple coating without first testing for asbestos. If the coating is in good condition, it is safe to leave in place and can be painted over. If you want a smooth finish, have the coating tested first. If asbestos is confirmed, engage a professional for encapsulation by skim coating with fresh plaster, or for full removal under controlled conditions with appropriate containment and ventilation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is stipple coating the same as Artex?

Stipple coating and Artex are related but distinct. Artex is a brand name for textured coatings that includes stipple as one of many possible patterns. Stipple coating creates a random, dabbed texture, while Artex is most commonly associated with swirl, fan, or comb patterns. Both may contain asbestos if applied before 1985.

Can I skim over stipple coating to get a smooth ceiling?

Yes, applying a skim coat of plaster over stipple coating is one of the recommended approaches for achieving a smooth finish without disturbing the asbestos. This encapsulates the coating and creates a new, clean surface. Ensure the existing coating is stable and well-adhered before skimming. A professional plasterer experienced in working over textured coatings is recommended.

How do I test stipple coating for asbestos?

A qualified asbestos surveyor can take a small sample by carefully scraping a piece of the coating from an inconspicuous area using wet methods to minimise fibre release. The sample is analysed by an accredited laboratory using polarised light microscopy. Testing typically costs between $25 and $75 per sample and provides definitive results.